Richard III, Part 2 – Online course even more popular second time around

Second release of online course taught by scholars who brought King to light receives more than 14,000 sign-ups.

Six months after the launch of our massively popular free online course on ‘England in the Time of Richard III’, even more people have signed up for the second cohort of students. More than 10,000 people signed up last November, and more than 14,000 have already signed up for the second course.

Delivered by the academics in archaeology, history and literature who helped uncover the monarch, this MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) is offered by the University of Leicester in association with FutureLearn.

‘England in the Time of Richard III’ explores the late 15th century, a time that saw huge upheavals, including savage dynastic warfare, shifting allegiances among a powerful aristocracy, and significant depopulation. Starting on 30 June, the six week course will cover a different feature of Richard III’s England each week, including medieval warfare, books and the arrival of print, medieval food, and the story of Richard III’s journey to Bosworth and burial in Leicester.

They are no entry requirements and no costs – hence the ‘Open’ bit of MOOC – just a couple of hours’ commitment each week and the chance to learn about a fascinating subject through university-standard teaching.

The Dig for Richard III was led by the University of Leicester, working with Leicester City Council and in association with the Richard III Society. The originator of the Search project was Philippa Langley of the Richard III Society.